ALS Association Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

ALS Association has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operational oversight, marketing, board governance, and community engagement.

Dedicated to eradicating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS Association advances global research initiatives while providing essential care services to patients through a robust nationwide network of chapters and advocacy programs.

Leadership Roles at ALS Association

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Calaneet Balas
  • Chief Operating Officer - Tina Zeff
  • Board President - Margaret Posorske
  • Chief Operations Officer - Dean Feener
  • Chief Marketing & Communications Officer - Brian Frederick
  • Team Captain - Holly Wamser
  • Calaneet Balas - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Calaneet Balas, the President & Chief Executive Officer at ALS Association, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Balas manages the national charter and administrator functions to ensure alignment across all regional chapters. By prioritizing global research funding and federal policy advocacy, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives the mission to discover treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Balas collaborates with the Board to secure long-term financial sustainability and operational excellence. Overseeing the entire nonprofit structure, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains focus on patient-centered care services. Calaneet Balas fosters partnerships with medical institutions and legislative bodies to influence national health outcomes. This leadership role requires constant evaluation of organizational impact and resource allocation. Through rigorous management of the national network, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that every chapter delivers consistent support to families affected by Lou Gehrig's disease across the United States.
    Calaneet Balas

    Tina Zeff - Chief Operating Officer

    Tina Zeff, the Chief Operating Officer at ALS Association, manages the internal infrastructure and administrative efficiency of the national organization. Zeff optimizes the daily workflows that support the nationwide network of chapters. By streamlining the delivery of care services, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that resources reach patients effectively. Zeff coordinates with regional leaders to maintain compliance with the national charter. This role involves the implementation of scalable systems that enhance organizational productivity. Tina Zeff monitors the operational health of the nonprofit to guarantee that programs remain aligned with the core mission of funding research and providing support. The Chief Operating Officer evaluates performance metrics to drive continuous improvement in service delivery. By managing the complex logistics of a multi-state nonprofit, Zeff secures the stability of the organization. The Chief Operating Officer remains focused on maximizing the impact of every dollar spent on patient programs and research initiatives.

    Margaret Posorske - Board President

    Margaret Posorske, the Board President at ALS Association, governs the strategic direction and fiduciary responsibilities of the organization. Posorske leads the Board in setting long-term goals that align with the mission of funding research and providing care. By facilitating high-level decision-making, the Board President ensures that the nonprofit remains accountable to its donors and the patients it serves. Posorske oversees the evaluation of executive performance and organizational health. This leadership role involves fostering consensus among board members to address critical challenges in the fight against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Margaret Posorske maintains the integrity of the governance structure while promoting transparency across the national network. The Board President drives the development of policies that support sustainable growth and impact. By providing oversight and guidance, Posorske ensures that the organization adheres to its core values. The Board President remains dedicated to the ultimate goal of finding a cure for Lou Gehrig's disease.

    Dean Feener - Chief Operations Officer

    Dean Feener, the Chief Operations Officer at ALS Association, architects the technical and logistical frameworks necessary for large-scale nonprofit operations. Feener oversees the integration of data systems that track research progress and patient care outcomes. By focusing on the technological backbone of the organization, the Chief Operations Officer enables seamless communication between the national office and local chapters. Feener manages the infrastructure required for nationwide advocacy campaigns and state-level policy initiatives. This leadership role involves the mitigation of operational risks and the enhancement of organizational agility. Dean Feener ensures that the nonprofit maintains the capacity to scale its services in response to emerging research needs. The Chief Operations Officer drives the implementation of digital tools that improve the efficiency of fundraising and resource distribution. By optimizing the operational environment, Feener supports the broader goal of providing comprehensive care to individuals living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis throughout the country.
    Dean Feener

    Brian Frederick - Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

    Brian Frederick, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at ALS Association, directs the public narrative and brand strategy for the organization. Frederick manages all outreach efforts to increase awareness of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and the mission of the nonprofit. By crafting compelling messaging, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer engages donors, advocates, and the general public. Frederick oversees the development of multi-channel campaigns that highlight the urgency of research funding and patient support. This role involves coordinating with national media outlets and digital platforms to amplify the voice of the organization. Brian Frederick ensures that the brand remains consistent across all regional chapters. The Chief Marketing & Communications Officer analyzes audience data to refine engagement strategies and maximize fundraising potential. By building strong relationships with stakeholders, Frederick drives the visibility of the organization. The Chief Marketing & Communications Officer maintains a focus on translating complex scientific research into accessible information for the community.

    Holly Wamser - Team Captain

    Holly Wamser, the Team Captain at ALS Association, leads grassroots mobilization and community-based fundraising initiatives. Wamser organizes local teams to participate in events that generate critical funding for research and patient services. By fostering a culture of active participation, the Team Captain drives engagement within the nationwide network of chapters. Wamser coordinates the efforts of volunteers and supporters to ensure that local activities contribute to the national mission. This role involves the management of community relationships and the promotion of advocacy efforts at the state level. Holly Wamser inspires participants to take action in the fight against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The Team Captain monitors the success of local campaigns and provides the necessary support to achieve fundraising targets. By connecting individual efforts to the broader organizational goals, Wamser strengthens the impact of the nonprofit. The Team Captain remains focused on building a resilient community dedicated to supporting those living with the disease.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding ALS Association Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads ALS Association?
    ALS Association is led by Calaneet Balas (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Tina Zeff (Chief Operating Officer) and Margaret Posorske (Board President).
    Who is part of ALS Association’s executive team?
    The executive team of ALS Association includes leaders such as Calaneet Balas (President & Chief Executive Officer), Tina Zeff (Chief Operating Officer), Margaret Posorske (Board President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does ALS Association have?
    ALS Association has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in ALS Association’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of ALS Association includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Board President, Chief Operations Officer, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer.